![[ Visit Client Website ]](images/banner.gif)
Learning Objective 1: describe the perioperative standards for infection control.
Learning Objective 2: discuss practices and strategies to improve compliance of standards.
Significance: Best practice and standards of care in the operating room serve as the primary safety mechanism for patients to avoid insult and injury. Health care associated infections (HAIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality associated with patients undergoing surgical procedures. The evidence supports the relationship between HAIs and longer hospitalization, increased costs and death. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services no longer support payments for HAI related care. In the 2009 National Patient Safety Goals, Joint Commission has addressed health care associated infections in the operating room. Strategies to promote patient safety include evidence based practice associated with perioperative care. Asepsis is the pivotal aim for perioperative personnel.
Methods: A survey instrument was completed that delineated aseptic practices for perioperative personnel in the operating room. The items reflect the standards of perioperative care from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, Association of Professional Infection Control Standards and the Association of Perioperating Room Nurses.
Results: Data analysis reveals significant differences related to optimal practice and self-reported practices. Discussion includes practices and strategies to improve compliance of standards. The crux of this issue is the preventable nature with vigilant practice.
Conclusion: Discussion includes practices and strategies to improve compliance of standards. The crux of this issue is the preventable nature with vigilant practice.